EVERTON staged a memorable comeback at Goodison Park to continue their winning record against Champions League hopefuls Manchester City.

The Blues recovered from a woeful first half, when they fell behind thanks largely to the brilliance of City’s sublime Spanish midfielder David Silva who set up Yaya Toure’s opening goal.

But boosted by the pre-match presence of the iconic Duncan Ferguson on the Goodison turf for the first time in half a decade, David Moyes’ men came off the ropes to keep Roberto Mancini waiting a little longer for confirmation of a fourth-place finish.

The turnaround, as satisfying as it was unlikely, was also indebted to some inspired tactical changes from David Moyes, who brought on Tim Cahill to explosive effect in and finally coaxed a power-house performance from Victor Anichebe.

While the points may not be enough to move Everton up the table, the euphoria of stretching their magnificent record of seven victories in eight games against City should ensure they now finish a disjointed campaign on a high.

Cahill had been on the pitch just seconds when he won a free kick on the right of the area. Mikel Arteta delivered and as the Aussie’s presence caused jitters in the City defence, former City star Sylvain Distin leapt highest to beat Joe Harte with a powerful header.

It soon got even better. Phil Neville found space down the right and sent a high cross presumably towards the lurking Beckford, but Leon Osman got their first; rising majestically against the far taller Kompany to score with a magnificent header that left him nursing a sore head on the turf as Goodison rocked.

It was a brave goal deserving of victory, and despite Mancini throwing Italian striker Mario Balotelli and former Everton loanee Jo into the closing stages of the fray, Everton held out.

The final scenes were notable for City’s frustration bubbling over as full-back Aleksander Kolarov clashed with Cahill after the final whistle, and assistant boss Brian Kidd rowed with Blues skipper Phil Neville.